Pachybrachis livens
This record describes Pachybrachis livens (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Prothorax with a usually nearly parallel and entire rufo-testaceous stripe occupying the middle third (last key couplet) a rufo-testaceous or pale brown entire nearly parallel sided median stripe occupying a little less than the middle third The middle of the disc of the thorax is usually marked with a large testaceous spot. Type Locality: Colorado River, California, on Salix
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Chrysomelidae (Leaf Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cryptocephalinae
- Tribe
- Cryptocephalini
- Genus
- Pachybrachis (Scriptured Leaf Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.CA-AZ - Map , most records LA to San Diego
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov ( 5 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: on Salix (Salicaceae) (Beutenmьller, 1890; Carr, 1988; Essig, 1958; Fall, 1901; Felt, 1907; Packard, 1890)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pachybrachis livens LeConte, 1858
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pachybrachis livens. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Pachybrachis livens (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Pachybrachis livens
What is Pachybrachis livens?
Pachybrachis livens is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pachybrachis livens?
Length 2.3 to 3 mm
How do you identify Pachybrachis livens?
Prothorax with a usually nearly parallel and entire rufo-testaceous stripe occupying the middle third (last key couplet) a rufo-testaceous or pale brown entire nearly parallel sided median stripe occupying a little less than the middle third The middle of the disc of the thorax is usually marked with a large testaceous spot.
Where is Pachybrachis livens found?
Range: s.CA-AZ - Map , most records LA to San Diego
What does Pachybrachis livens eat?
The diet of the Pachybrachis livens includes on Salix (Salicaceae) (Beutenmьller, 1890; Carr, 1988; Essig, 1958; Fall, 1901; Felt, 1907; Packard, 1890).
When is Pachybrachis livens active?
Pachybrachis livens: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov ( 5 ).
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